Friday, 28 August 2009

The Juggernaut That Is Manchester City

Well we're nearing the end of the transfer window and it looks Manchester City are closed for business.

For now.

The protracted acquisition of Joleon Lescott from Everton seems to signify the end of the players coming into City but some may leave. Richard Dunne is on the verge of joining Aston Villa at time of writing and Martin Petrov is another that has been linked with a move away.

During the close season where player transfer speculation was rife, it seemed as if that Manchester City wouldn't stand a chance at attracting big name players who have other offers to play for a club in European competition or already play for one. It has been quite the opposite. Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure have left Champions League-bound Arsenal, Lescott has left Everton who are playing in the Europa League and Gareth Barry has left Aston Villa who had qualified for the Europa League as well (but are out of it now). Carlos Tevez reportedly had offers on the table from Chelsea and Liverpool but has chosen to become the idol of the blue half of Manchester.

It raises a question of the players' motives for moving but they will all say they felt more appreciated by City than by their European rivals. One thing remains common amongst these players, they are all of the belief that Manchester City will qualify for Europe this season, that reamins to be seen. Two games into the Premier League season and the team are showing early signs of breaching the top bracket of European football.

However it is the players coming in that are expected to have the biggest impact. Players such as Adebayor, Toure, Tevez and Barry between them have the characteristics Mark Hughes hopes to integrate into his team: class, determination, force and finishing.

The thing is if Mark Hughes feels something isn't working right or is missing a small part to his blue machine then in January he will be given the funds in the blink of an eye to strengthen his squad further. It is this that makes it seem as if Manchester City are invincible.

One thing they will not need to be able to buy is style and teamwork. Arsenal's style of football is exquisite and priceless. Money cannot buy morale and camaraderie, things vital to the stability of a squad, affecting results as a consequence.

With the likes of Richards, Bridge, Ireland, Given and Robinho already in place at Eastlands, along with the new additions this summer, the sky is the limit for City.